Saturday 23^rd November 2019

►Valleymount Christmas Fair from 10am to 5pm in Valleymount Hall

►Lakeshore Striders A.C Annual Charity Collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless from 12pm to 3pm in the ‘Crying Room’ of Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Items requested include; new sleeping bags (available from Charles Camping at a reduced cost of €10), toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc), nappies, baby food & formula. Please note they do not require clothing, shoes, duvets or similar items. Cash donations also accepted. Email lakeshorestriders@gmail.com or call Edel on 087 961 8337

Sunday 24^th November 2019

►Valleymount Christmas Fair from 10am to 5pm in Valleymount Hall

►Baltinglass Hospital Annual Christmas Bazaar in the hospital from 2pm.

►Christmas Craft Fair in St Kevin’s Hall from 11am to 2pm

Monday 25^th November 2019

►Holy Hour in Crosschapel every Monday after 10am Mass (ex-Bank Holidays)

►Blessington Children’s Choir practice 2:45pm to 3.30pm in the Church.

Tuesday 26^th November 2019

►Citizens Information Centre in Blessington Library from 1pm to 4pm. Legal advice service on 1st & 3rd Tues of month by appointment

►Blessington & District Active Retired EXERCISE WITH THEA at 2pm. Regular meeting at 2.45pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington, new members welcome.

►Eucharistic Adoration from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Blessington Church.

Wednesday 27^th November 2019

►The Citizens Information Centre is open in Blessington Library today 10am to 12.30pm.

►The Rosary will be offered at 7.30pm for the intentions of our families in Blessington Church

►Christian Meditation Group meet in the Mass Centre in Brittas from 11am. All welcome

Thursday 28^th November 2019

► West Wicklow Cancer Support – Drop in Meeting, “Has your life been touched by Cancer” An evening of relaxation & Christmas Crafts at 7.30pm, Coimín Centre, Blessington. No charge, all welcome & bring a friend.

Mass Intentions this Week

Michelle Pender (RD) Marie Sheridan (nee Byrne) RD)

Saturday 6pm:

Liz McGinnity (A) Dan Murphy (A) Agnes Twyford (A)

Sunday 10am:

Bridie Coughlan (A) Michael Lennon (A) Kay Lennon (Rem)

We also Remember the following:

Brendan & Aoife Cummins, Chrissie Cummins, Noel Cummins, Edith McInerney (A) Alicia Hamilton, Hugh & Billy Hamilton (A) Teresa Flanagan (A) Nora Shirran (A) Vera Donovan (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Birthday Rem, Birthday Rem

Wednesday: Amby Miley (A) Mary Donegan (A)

Thursday: Dan Murphy (A) Frankie Keogh (RD)

Friday: Margaret Hyland (RD) Michelle Pender (RD)

Visitation of the Sick: If there are any parishioners ill, at home or in hospital who would like a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office to let us know and to make arrangements 045 865 327

Children’s Church on Sunday 1^st December.

Blessington Lights Up Christmas 2019 on Sat Nov 30^th 1pm to 3:45pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, followed by ‘The Big Switch On’ @ The Square at 4:30pm & Presentation by Reservoir Cogs. Free Santa! Craft, Gift & Food Fair, Hot Chocolate. Music by Rockabilly Rebels & Sinead O Brien. Drop off point for annual shoebox appeal. Macari Special offers on the day. If you are a local vendor & would like to take a stall at our fair, call Carmel on 085 118 0182 stalls cost €10 all proceeds to the Christmas lights fund.

Variety Concert on Sun 1^st December in Church of Our Lady Blessington in aid of Blessington & District Day Care and the Coimín Centre.

Featuring: The Roscommon Solstice Choir, Rachel Coyne &  Lorraine Willoughby. Tickets €10 on sale after Mass this weekend or from the Parish Office & the usual outlets.

Cruthú West Wicklow Art Group will hold their Christmas Exhibition in Blessington Tourist Office.  The exhibition opening event will be on Friday 29^th November from 7pm to 8pm. The exhibition will open from 11am to 6pm daily until Sunday 15^th December.  Late opening Friday until 8pm.  There will be plenty of original locally produced Art, Craft, Photography on display, all available to buy.   Find a perfect Christmas gift, or simply drop in to enjoy the art & be inspired.  Like us on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.cruthu.ie

Blessington Allotments – Would you be interested in allotments in Blessington? Our group is continuing to campaign for the provision of allotments in the Blessington area. If you are interested and to get involved, contact Dónal at blessingtonallotments@gmail.com

Blessington Comhaltas Classes in Bodhran, Concertina, Accordion, Whistle, Flute, Beginner Fiddle, Intermediate Fiddle, Tune Classes, Guitar Lessons, Singing Classes, Ceili Band. Classes on Sundays from 5pm in St. Mary’s SNS Info Pat 086 075 2072 or Rebecca 087 228 2012 www.blessingtoncomhaltascoislocha@gmail.com

The Community Pool for West Wicklow Committee would like to say a very big THANK YOU to all of the boys & girls who took part in our West Wicklow Non-Uniform School Day last week. Over 50 schools from across West Wicklow took part. Thank you to all of the teachers, principals, parents & children for their continued support.

The Community Pool for West Wicklow is having a Christmas Party! Sat 14^th Dec from 8pm at Poulaphouca House & Falls. Tickets €25 & available from Charles Camping, The Office Shop & Blessington Tourist Office or online at tinyurl.com/CPWWXmasParty

The Annual Fun-Filled Festive Fair will be held in Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass on Sun Nov 24^th in the school hall from 11am to 4pm. Seasonal Fare, Arts & Crafts, Cakes, Yule Logs, & Jewellery. Wheel of Fortune & monster raffle!

Would you like to be in with the chance of winning up to €1500 and having a really entertaining night as well? Ballymore Eustace GAA Club are holding ‘The Chaser’ fundraising night in Tulfarris Hotel on Friday 29^th November at 8pm based on the well-known TV Quiz show ‘The Chase’ followed by a disco (after the event, for the adults). The Chaser event is a family event & a family ticket (€50) admits four adults or two adults & three children. Single tickets are €20. All tickets must be pre purchased before the show. For further information or tickets, please contact Fiona Breslin 087 995 6085

West Wicklow Cancer Support – Volunteers – Have you got some free time & would like to volunteer with us? We are a Cancer Support Group catering for the West Wicklow area for the past 5 years & we provide support & information to people & families affected by cancer.  We are looking for a Volunteer Bookkeeper to look after our day to day books. If this suits you, we would like to hear from you.  Volunteers will be fully supported by our caring & confidential team. Contact us on 087 4346004/ westwicklow15@gmail.com or on Facebook

“TRY it out! Mini-Rugby for Tots for ‘under 5 (2015)’ and Under 6 (2014) in St Kevin’s Community Centre, Blessington every Saturday at 10:15am for ‘boys & girls’

 ‘Rugby Practice at Russborough for U7s (2013) to U12s (2008) boys & girls this Sat 23rd Nov at 10:30am”

 Cub Scout Blessington. Is your child aged 9-11years, if they are interested in joining scouts & you would like to become a scout leader (free training provided) please contact me aoibheannmc1@yahoo.ie for more details.

Interested in a social cycle in the Blessington area?  Led by an experienced volunteer, Cycling Ireland/Axa Community Bike Rides are gentle, social bike rides for adults, usually followed by coffee & chat.  New series added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Participants can join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com

Lacken Community Centre Calendar 2020 on sale now from Supervalu, Blessington Bookstore, The Office Shop, Blessington Tourist Office, West Wicklow House, Flowers by Enda, Zellers Lacken & Cullens Bar Ballyknocken

Beginners Fencing Classes on Tuesdays from 8pm to 9.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington, guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wednesday from 2.15 to 4.15pm in Hollywood Centre New members welcome. The Club members will visit Newbridge Silverware to do their usual Christmas Shopping on Wed 4^th December

December Events for your Diary

►St Brigid’s National School, Manor Kilbride, Winter Fair in the school on Sunday 1st Dec from 12pm & 4pm.  All welcome – Arts & Crafts Stalls, Books, Toys, Clothes & Cake Stalls & Refreshments. Fun Fair Games & activities for young & old. Festive decorations & Christmas Trees on sale. Bring your pre-loved “Good as New” items to our school for recycling at the Fair on Sat 16^th Nov between 10am & 11am or Sun 24^th Nov between 12pm & 1pm. 

►As part of Russborough’s Oscar Wilde Christmas join us on for ‘An Evening with Oscar Wilde’ on Dec 6^th at 7pm. Compiled & performed by Richard Lynch, share Wilde’s sparkling humour & wit, tinged with a certain pity & sadness.  Tickets €15. Booking 045 865 239 or www.russborough.ie

►Bealin’s Bar Golf Society Christmas Party & Prize Presentation in Bealin’s Lounge on Friday 6^th December with a monster raffle on the night. Music by Sean Reddy

►Join us at Russborough House on Saturday December 7th from 12pm to 4pm for a Christmas Market in aid of the Community Pool for West Wicklow. We’ll have live music, face painting, over 30 stalls with local crafts, baking and Christmas gifts and Santa will be there too!

►Tramway Theatre Proudly Presents – Connor McKeon “Swing into Christmas” on Saturday 7^th December. Let the good times roll. A glitzy & glamorous night of high energy big-band swing including the best loved Christmas Classics. Tickets €25 (including mulled wine & mince pie reception) available from Hennessy’s Next Door & The Office Shop.

►Christmas Concert with ‘Celtic Brothers’ starring The Willoughby’s in Tynock Church at 8pm on Sun 8^th Dec. Concert in aid of a Multi-Sensory Room for Baltinglass Hospital Tickets available from 087 266 8300 or email multisensoryconcert@gmail.com

►West Wicklow Day-Care Committee will be putting up a Christmas Tree in the grounds of Baltinglass Hospital in celebration of the lives of our family & friends who are no longer with us, you can shine a light in their memory by sponsoring a light for €5 on the Christmas Tree. Please call Mary 087 293 4806 or Valerie 045 865 412 to sponsor a light. Christmas Tree lighting ceremony & Carol Service will take place on Sunday 8^th December at 2pm

►Hollywood Senior Citizens Christmas Party on Thurs 12^th Dec Hollywood Inn. Meal at 3.30pm Music/Song/Dance until 8pm. Invitations will be sent out first week December.

►Annual Carol Service on Sunday 15^th December at 5pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

►Valleymount & Lacken Parish Concert St Joseph’s National School Present ‘The Nativity’ according to The Gospel of St Luke. Concert featuring St John’s Gospel Choir, Ballinteer, Dublin & Blessington Folk Group in St Joseph’s Church Valleymount on Sunday 15^th December at 7pm. Tickets €10 each or 2 for €15, available from St Joseph’s School or Valleymount Church (after Sunday Mass) and from Blessington Parish Office.

Courses in the Further Education & Training Centre Blessington

We are currently enrolling for courses for our new term starting in January 2020

Full Time Courses – Monday to Friday

QQI Level 5 Business Studies with Sage 50 Accounting

QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies

Part Time Courses (Day and Evening)

Looking to up-skill or learn something new?

We have part time courses available in the following:

eBusiness QQI Level 5

Tourism with Business QQI Level 5

Childcare QQI Level 5

Childcare QQI Level 6

Healthcare QQI Level 5

Computer Science QQI Level 5

Office Skills QQI Level 4

For further information please contact Anne McGrath or Karen Townsend on 086 850 3833 or blessingtonfetc@kwetb.ie

St Vincent de Paul 087 181 1579

The most important decision you can make is to be in a good mood

Saturday 9^th November 2019

► Confirmation Enrolment Mass for all children preparing for Confirmation at 6pm in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Sunday 10^th November 2019

►Car Boot Sale (Des Redmond Charities) in St. Kevin’s Hall from 7am to 4pm. €10 per table, Tea & Coffee, Free Car Park.

►1^st Communion Preparation Mass at 10am in Church of Our Lady, Blessington for all children receiving the sacrament this year.

►Confirmation Enrolment Mass for St Joseph’s NS Valleymount at 11.15am in Valleymount Church.

Monday 11^th November 2019

►Holy Hour in Crosschapel every Monday after 10am Mass (ex-Bank Holidays)

►Blessington Children’s Choir practice 2:45pm to 3.30pm in the Church.

►Blessington & District Forum meet at 8pm in St Mary’s Junior School. All Welcome

►Neighbourhood Collection Envelopes for November are due. Envelopes may be left into the Parish Office or in collection bags at Mass.

Tuesday 12^th November 2019

►Citizens Information Centre in Blessington Library from 1pm to 4pm. Legal advice service on 1st & 3rd Tues of month by appointment

►Blessington & District Active Retired EXERCISE WITH THEA at 2pm. Regular meeting at 2.45pm in the Coimin Centre Blessington, new members welcome.

►Eucharistic Adoration from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Blessington Church.

Wednesday 13^th November 2019

►The Citizens Information Centre is open in Blessington Library today 10am to 12.30pm.

►The Rosary will be offered at 7.30pm for the intentions of our families in Blessington Church

►Christian Meditation Group meet in the Mass Centre in Brittas from 11am. All welcome

►Bethany Bereavement Support group available for caring confidential support from 8pm to 9pm no appointment necessary.

Thursday 14^th November 2019

► Mass for 1^st Communion & Confirmation classes in Lacken Church at 1.30pm

►Coimin Management Meeting at 7pm in the Coimin Centre

►Dr. Jessie Rogers discussion; “Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew”, continues at 8pm in the Coimin Centre. All welcome.

St Vincent de Paul Local number 087 181 1579

Mass Intentions this Week

Frankie Keogh (RD)

Saturday 6pm: Frances Kehoe (Mths Mind) Nicola Sheehy Mths Mind) Michael Byrne (A)

Sunday 10am: Bill Moore (A) Tom O’Hagan (Jnr) Tom (Snr) & Judith O’Hagan & the deceased members of the O’Hagan Family

We also Remember the following:  Dickie Reid (1^st A) Patricia Mahon (A)

Monday: Mass for those on the list for Sick

Tuesday: Kathleen, Jim & Seamus Corry (A)

Wednesday: Nicola Sheehy (Mths Mind) Mary Feeney (A) Fr Matt Neylon (Rem)

Thursday: Louise Fleming (A) Spec Living Intention,

Friday: Marie O’Byrne (A) Tom Murphy (A)

Visitation of the Sick: If there are any parishioners ill, at home or in hospital who would like a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office to let us know and to make arrangements 045 865 327

Blessington Men’s Shed Variety Concert in the Tramway Theatre on Sat 16^th Nov at 8pm. Special Guests: The RAMS & local singers / musicians. Tickets €10 from Hennessy’s & The Office Shop. Info, Kevin: 087 747 0461 or Pat 086 075 2072. Please Support

St. Vincent De Paul would like to offer our sincere gratitude for all the donations we receive throughout the year. If anyone wishes to donate, can you please drop it into the Parish Office marked for SVP. All donations dropped in here remain in Blessington & the surrounding areas & 100% of donations are distributed to those in need. Any donations left in the SVP Shop Blessington are sent to Dublin

HAVE YOUR SAY Blessington Town Team  invites you to attend a Public Consultation Workshop as part of the ‘Town Health Check’ for Blessington. Where? The Avon, Blessington, Co. Wicklow When? Tuesday, November 12^th at 7.30pm. The Blessington Town Health Check is an opportunity to consider the vibrancy and vitality of your town. The current performance of the town is being measured and the future needs of residents and visitors in Blessington is being planned for. Businesses, residents and visitors with an interest in the future of the town are invited to participate in this public workshop. We look forward to seeing you! John Horan, Chairperson,  Blessington Town Team

Valleymount Christmas Fair Nov 23rd & 24th Valleymount Community Hall. Unwanted gifts/as good as new items wanted for Bric-a-Brac stall.

Baltinglass Hospital Annual Christmas Bazaar on Sunday 24^th Nov in the hospital from 2pm. All donations of Cakes, Bottles, Bric-a-Brac & Toys (in good condition please) to Mary 087 293 4806 or Valerie 045 865 412

 The Annual Fun-Filled Festive Fair will be held in Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass on Sun Nov 24^th in the school hall from 11am to 4pm. Seasonal Fare, Arts & Crafts, Cakes, Yule Logs, & Jewellery. Try your luck at the wheel of fortune or the monster raffle! Why not enjoy a mug of hot chocolate & listen to Christmas Carols while the children have their faces painted?  This market books out quickly each year, any interested stallholders can book by emailing ceiremurphy@kwetb.ie or collecting a form from the school (regular stalls €20; large €30).

Beginners Fencing Classes on Tuesdays from 8pm to 9.30pm in St Kevin’s Hall

 Hollywood Senior Citizens Committee Mini Christmas Craft Fair has been cancelled they will hold a Table Quiz in Tutty’s Hollywood on Fri 7^th Feb Quiz Master Pat O Neill

October winners in Valleymount Church Renovation fund draw: Angela & John Richardson, Mary & Matt Reid, Lizzie Brophy & Ivan Carroll, Kathy & Stephen Kavanagh, Rachel & Niall Jones. Each received €100.

Many thanks to all who gave donations of produce to the Harvest Mass of Thanksgiving in Lacken & to the children of Lacken NS for their participation in the celebration. Your support is much appreciated.

Cub Scout Blessington. Is your child aged 9-11years, if they are interested in joining scouts & you would like to become a scout leader (free training provided) please contact me aoibheannmc1@yahoo.ie for more details.

Interested in a social cycle in the Blessington area?  Led by an experienced volunteer, Cycling Ireland/Axa Community Bike Rides are gentle, social bike rides for adults, usually followed by coffee & chat.  New series added for Wednesdays at 10:30am. Participants can join for FREE at www.AxaCommunityBikeRides.com

Mini-Rugby for Tots for Under 5 (2013) & Under 6 (2014) in St Kevin’s Community Centre, Blessington every Saturday at 10:15am for boys & girls’

Rugby at Russborough for U7s (2013) to U12s (2008) boys & girls this Sat 5th Oct at 11:30

The Parish Book Club meets 4 times a year.  The books chosen for review are varied & are of spiritual & philosophical interest.  We notify the book under review here in the newsletter.  Our next meeting is on Thurs 21^st Nov at 10am in The Parish Meeting Room.  The book is ‘Traveling Mercies’ by Anne Lamott.  New members are always welcome.  Please contact the Parish Office if you are interested & would like to go on the text reminder list.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Blessington Bowls meet every Thurs at 7.30pm in St. Kevin’s Hall, Blessington, guests welcome, come along & bring a friend.

Hollywood Friendship Club every Wednesday from 2.15 to 4.15pm in Hollywood Centre New members welcome. The Club members will visit Newbridge Silverware to do their usual Christmas Shopping on Wed 4^th December

Community Pool for West Wicklow are having a Christmas Party! Join us at Poulaphouca House & Falls on Saturday December 14th from 8pm for canapés, mulled wine, DJ, dancing & spot prizes! Tickets only €25, available from Charles Camping, The Office Shop & Blessington Tourist Office from Saturday November 9th or email us at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com

Blessington GAA Dog Night. Friday 15^th November in Newbridge Greyhound Stadium. Sponsored by Dunnes Stores.

Prizes

Buster Draw 1                Buster Draw 2

1st Prize €750                1st Prize €750

2nd Prize €400               2nd Prize €400

3rd Prize €300                3rd Prize €300

4th Prize €200                4th Prize €200

5 Prizes of €100 each

You can nominate a dog for €50 which entitles you to entry to the races on the night and also a prize of €100 if dog wins the race. Donations to Charities will be made from proceeds of the event. Tickets €10 entitles you to entry to The Dogs & entry into Buster Draws

First Race at 8pm

Tickets can be purchased from any member of the Executive or by contacting JP Morgan 087 238 8592, John Magee Snr: 086 871 7483  or

Breda Brophy 087 225 3892. Bus transfer details to be confirmed later

Blessington Comhaltas Classes in Bodhran, Concertina, Accordion, Whistle, Flute, Beginner Fiddle, Intermediate Fiddle, Tune Classes, Guitar Lessons, Singing Classes, Ceili Band. Classes on Sundays from 5pm in St. Mary’s SNS Info Pat 086 075 2072 or Rebecca 087 228 2012 www.blessingtoncomhaltascoislocha@gmail.com

GROW Community Mental Health “West Wicklow” Support Group every Wed at 7.30pm in Camphill, Grangebeg, Dunlavin. Why not come along & learn more about positive mental health, wellbeing, recovery & how GROW may help you achieve this. New members are always welcome (free of charge).  Info: John 086 803 3126 or www.grow.ie

Holy Land Pilgrimage 11 Day Pilgrimage to The Holy Land 12^th to 22^nd February 2020 cost €1,475 deposit €450 Spiritual Director Canon Paddy McGinn, There are still a small number of places left, further details contact Brenda Murray-Flynn on 041 686 3390 or brenda.murray-flynn@travelcounsellors.com Philip on 087 250 8043 or pmcardle006@gmail.com

Collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless. Lakeshore Striders A.C Annual Charity Collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for the Homeless will take place on Saturday 23rd of November from 12pm to 3pm in the ‘Crying Room’ of Church of Our Lady, Blessington. Items requested by the centre include; new sleeping bags (available from Charles Camping at a reduced cost of €10 when you indicate it’s for this collection), toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc), nappies, baby food & formula. Please note the centre does not require clothing, shoes, duvets or similar items.

Cash donations also accepted on the day. For info email lakeshorestriders@gmail.com or Edel on 087 961 8337

December Events for your Diary

►St Brigid’s National School Manor Kilbride Winter Fair Sun 1^st Dec from 12noon to 4pm. If you are interested in having a stall at this event, please call 087 774 1432

►Variety Concert on Sun 1^st Dec in Church of Our Lady Blessington in aid of Blessington & District Day Care & the Coimin Centre. Featuring: The Roscommon Solstice Choir, Rachel Coyne & Lorraine Willoughby. Tickets €10 from Eventbrite, Parish Office, Hennessey’s Next Door, The Office Shop & the Credit Union. Info: 087 919 5991, 087 293 4806 or 087 245 0546.

►As part of Russborough’s Oscar Wilde Christmas join us on for ‘An Evening with Oscar Wilde’ on Dec 6^th at 7pm. Compiled & performed by Richard Lynch, share Wilde’s sparkling humour & wit, tinged with a certain pity & sadness.  Tickets €15. Booking 045 865 239 or www.russborough.ie

►Community Pool for West Wicklow Christmas Market in the Hippodrome, Russborough House on Dec 7^th from 12noon to 4pm. Christmas Shopping, Visit Santa, enjoy a mince pie or two Any local Crafters, Artists, Bakers or Businesses interested in having a stall at the market please email at poolforWestWicklow@gmail.com

►Christmas Concert with ‘Celtic Brothers’ starring The Willoughby’s in Tynock Church at 8pm on Sun 8^th Dec. Concert in aid of a Multi-Sensory Room for Baltinglass Hospital Tickets available from 087 266 8300 or email multisensoryconcert@gmail.com

►West Wicklow Day-Care Committee will be putting up a Christmas Tree in the grounds of Baltinglass Hospital in celebration of the lives of our family & friends who are no longer with us, you can shine a light in their memory by sponsoring a light for €5 on the Christmas Tree. Please call Mary 087 293 4806 or Valerie 045 865 412 to sponsor a light. Christmas Tree lighting ceremony & Carol Service will take place on Sunday 8^th December at 5pm

►Senior Citizens Christmas Party on Thurs 12^th Dec Hollywood Inn. Meal at 3.30pm Music/Song/Dance until 8pm. Invitations will be sent out first week December.

►Annual Carol Service on Sunday 15^th December in Church of Our Lady, Blessington

Be a good person, but don’t waste your time trying to prove it…